Month: August 2017

8. The Command to “Keep Your Word”

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-38. NLT)

The mark of Christian integrity and of true Christian character is keeping our word. Too many times we over extend ourselves with the intent of being helpful – later to find, that it was at the detriment of our character. We must pray for wisdom before making any vows or giving our word in commitment to any agreement.

There are 2 vows that must be faithfully maintained throughout the challenges and temptations of life. When we say “I do” at the marriage altar, it is a Holy, sacred, lifelong covenant. More importantly, your eternal vow to Christ as Lord of your life is the greatest.

Do not make promises you cannot keep. Only agree to things you know you can fulfill through the grace and power of Jesus Christ.

6. The Command to “Settle Matters Quickly”

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” (Matthew 5:25, NIV).

I believe Christ was telling the lost to “get right with God quickly!” Remember, in this scripture Jesus is teaching a crowd of people from the side of a mountain. These people were coming to learn about the Kingdom of Heaven from the Master. Unlike us, they did not have the Cross of Grace, the Holy Bible, and 2000 years of Christendom to look back upon. Jesus was speaking to them with eternal wisdom. They could only reference His teachings with temporal, 1st century minds. By believing in Christ, they were choosing the Way, the Life, and the Truth. By choosing Jesus, they would settle matters quickly.

“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT)

The scripture in Matthew 5:25 is also related to Christ’s previous command to “be reconciled.” Moreover, it could apply to how we should deal with our adversaries from a business sense — not just as a family one. Still, is Jesus giving us greater insight and wisdom on our dealings with the secular world? If you owe someone, do justly! Settle the matter quickly and with Christian integrity. Don’t rush into any business transactions without prayerful guidance and trusting in God. Humility is always the attitude of the God-fearing soul. “God lifts the humble.”

Immediate repentance is required to “settle matters quickly” with God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)